Pakistani Girl Shot By Taliban 'Improving'

A Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban has showed signs of improvement by moving her limbs, the military has said.

The shooting of 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai - who campaigned for education for girls - has sparked international condemnation and led Pakistani authorities to offer a reward of more than $100,000 for the capture of her attackers.

Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said: "The sedation given to Malala was reduced today so that neurosurgeons could do their clinical assessment and as a result of it Malala responded and moved her hands and feet.

"As per doctors, (the) condition of Malala is stable."

He added that contingencies were in place in case doctors decided to move the teenager abroad for further treatment.

Two other girls who were shot and wounded during the same attack in the Swat Valley are also receiving treatment.

On Friday, Pakistani authorities made several arrests in connection with the shooting.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Malala was promoting "Western thinking".

A spokesman said the girl's family had been warned three times - the most recent coming last week.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf visited the stricken girl on Friday.

He said: "It was not a crime against an individual but a crime against humanity and an attack on our national and social values."

Malala gained international recognition with a blog for the BBC that highlighted atrocities carried out by the Taliban in the Swat Valley.